Hearing Master's Office

Hearing Master's Office
Bradford County Courthouse
Towanda, PA 18848
Phone: 570-265-1711
Fax: 570-265-1741

Duties:

This office is part of the Court, the cases involving dependency, delinquency, divorce and support are tried herein. The procedures are similar to any court proceeding, counseling generally are present representing the parties' positions.

Office functions are similar to any office with general office work, but with the addition of writing and typing orders in the individual cases.

The Master's Office is directly responsible to the presiding Judge and subordinate to both sitting judges.

The Master's Office hears all support, divorce and juvenile matters. The office is responsible for developing lines of co-operation between DNO, CYS, Probation, writing and researching orders and recommendations. They must be informed of various and numerous changes in statutes and case law as well as PA Code requirements in juvenile matters, be informed about available placements and types of placements for minors, and aware of all other legal matters that relate to family and support law. The position requires an attorney, license in Pa to be appointed as Master.

The secretarial/Stenographic position requires ability to take and make a record of hearings and transcribe said record, filing, reception in typing orders, general secretary and reception work plus co-operation with the public and the various court-related offices.

Both positions require confidentiality and protection of the confidential nature of juvenile hearings and records.

Hearings are conducted daily as court proceedings.

Hearings by the Master may also include matters of partition, visitation and by statute Protection from Abuse, as well as other matters the presiding Judge may assign.

The present Master may also attempt to be involved in community matters as the general community impacts on the Juvenile court.